Specialized Reference Sources: Definitions

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What is a Reference Book and Why Should I Use Them?

What is a reference book?

A reference book is a source that provides facts &/or finite pieces of information; this can be general (Encyclopedia Britannica) or more subject focused (Encyclopedia of Women and Baseball). They are sources designed not to be read cover to cover but to be used to get key facts about a topic (think dictionary or almanac). These materials don’t circulate (they have to be used in the Library) so that everyone can use the material. Reference books are a great place to start your research, find general history/background information as well as important people, dates &/or terms related to your topic.

Reference books are usually organized alphabetically (think encyclopedia or dictionary) but using the Index (the back section of a book or group of books that alphabetically lists the headings including people, places and subjects with corresponding page numbers) can be a quick way to find the information you need.

In our library reference books are located in the first eleven moving shelves and are marked with “reference collection” marked on a red sign on the end of the shelves. They are marked USC Upstate Reference in the catalog and have REF on the top of the spine label.

Reference books give you:

A quick introduction to your subject by covering a lot of points briefly

In-depth background on some of the major people &/or key elements of your topic

Vocabulary to use for searches in other resources

Ideas for additional resources (check the reference list)

Search the Catalog

When searching for Reference materials add "REF AND " to your search to see what Reference materials we have in our collection. For example search "REF AND Atlas" to see what Atlas' are in our collection.

Specialized Reference Sources

A to Z List

This is a list of various types of reference sources that can be found on the shelves or electronically at USC Upstate. If you know of a type of source that is not on the list and would like it to be added, please contact the librarian associated with this guide to make the suggestion.

"A" Terms

Almanac- This usually contains a single volume representing a specified year with a compilation of facts and statistics on a topic. (The world almanac OR Revolutionary War almanac)

Atlas - A bound volume of geographical information such as physical, political, road and/or thematic maps. (Atlas of the World)

Historical Atlas- This source contains maps and descriptions of the represented areas as they were during the time period that is covered by the atlas. (Historical atlas of Tibet)

Subject Atlas- These atlases provide maps and information about a specific topic. (Wine atlas of Germany)

"B" Terms

Bibliography- This contains a list of sources (books, articles, and more) about a specific subject or author.

Biographical Dictionary- These sources provide a short summary of the lives of people, often with a focus on a particular group of people (women, scientists, historical figures, etc). (Southern writers: a new biographical dictionary)

"C" Terms

Chronology- This work presents information that is arranged by date.

Concordance - These sources give an alphabetical list of the principal keywords or phrases contained in another book with citations of the passages. (A concordance to the poems of Dylan Thomas)

"E" Terms

Encyclopedia (General)- These sets provide summaries of information and ideas in a comprehensive manner. They are useful for providing facts and obtaining a broad survey of a topic. (The encyclopedia Americana)

Subject Encyclopedia - These sources contain articles on topics within a specific subject. (The encyclopedia of twentieth-century fiction)

"G" Terms

Gazetteer- An alphabetical list of geographic names identifying the nature and location of the thing, or place, named.

Guidebook- These sources provide detailed descriptions of places and are designed primarily for visitors or those unfamiliar with a particular area. Readers will find descriptions of road, places, or objects of interest, geographical facts and occasionally maps.

"H" Terms

Handbook- These provide a brief survey of a topic. (Animal rights: a reference handbook)

"I" Terms

Index - An index lists citations to periodical articles, books, and proceedings and indicates where those resources can be found.

"M" Terms

Manual - A manual explains how to do something, such as the manner in which something operates or the way in which an organization operates. (Nursing diagnosis reference manual)

​Style Guide - is a book with a set of standards for the writing and design of documents, either for general use or for a specific publication, organization, or field. (MLA handbook)

"Q" Terms

Quotation Dictionary - a book listing common quotations often by subject and or author. (The Yale book of quotations)

"S" Terms

Subject Atlas- These atlases provide maps and information about a specific topic.

Subject Dictionary- These sources focus on the vocabulary of a subject or discipline.

Subject Encyclopedia - These sources contain articles on topics within a specific subject.

"T" Terms

Thesaurus - A book of synonyms, often including related and contrasting words and antonyms. (Roget's international thesaurus)

"U" Terms

Unabridged Dictionary -This source provides a comprehensive listing of words and terms along with definitions and helps to identify synonyms and antonyms.

"Y" Terms

Yearbook- A yearbook covers the trends and events of a specific year. It may be general in coverage or limited to a specific subject or geographical area. (Mental Measures Yearbook)